Drug Therapy

Created by

Samuel Bulmer

Cards (6)

What are Typical Antipsychotics?
Used from the 1950's
Their use inspired the early version of the dopamine hypothesis
Work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapse - This reduces the effect of dopamine as the neurotransmitter is less able to bind
Reduces positive symptoms
Has a sedative effect
What are Atypical Antipsychotics?
Used from the 1970's
Atypicals also bind to dopamine receptors but unlike Typicals they act on serotonin and glutamate receptors too
Atypicals bind to dopamine receptors temporarily then dissipate - This reduces side effects as the dopamine receptors are not fully blocked
They reduce positive symptoms and help with depression and anxiety (negative symptoms)
Strength of Drug Therapy - Research Support
Meta-analysis of 65 studies involving over 6000 patients
All patients had been stabilised using either typical or atypical antipsychotics
Some were taken off the drug and given a placebo
After 12 months 64% of patients given the placebo had relapsed (27% of those who stayed on the drug relapsed)
Limitation of Drug Therapy - Severe Side Effects
More than half of patients experienced movement problems such as shaking
When typical antipsychotics are taken for a long time they can develop a condition called Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) - Involuntary movements of the tongue and jaw
This can be permanent
Strength of Drug Therapy - Atypicals are an improvement
Research has found that there are no significant differences between typical and atypical APs in terms of their impact on symptoms
However atypicals have fewer side effects
The risk of TD is lower with atypicals
Limitation of Drug Therapy - Ethical Issues
The use of drugs to treat Sz has been criticised as being a 'chemical straightjacket'
Some argue that drugs are used because they keep patients calm and easy for hospital staff to deal with, rather than any benefit to the patient
Drugs are often administered without the consent of the patient